Cocktails can be a delightful treat, but some pack a hefty dose of sugar, calories, and alcohol, making them less than ideal for health-conscious drinkers. In this article, we’ll explore nine of the unhealthiest cocktails you might want to enjoy in moderation.
Margarita
Before getting “wasted away again in Margaritaville” and “searching for your lost shaker of salt,” it’s important to know that this classic mix of tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and syrup can account for over 70% of your daily sugar intake on a 2,000-calorie diet. A typical margarita contains about 24 grams of sugar, making it a high-calorie, high-sugar indulgence. While refreshing and tangy, the added syrups and mixers quickly turn this drink into a sugar bomb.
Frosé
Although you may want to “frosé all day,” this popular summer drink is simply packing on the pounds. With approximately 58 grams of sugar per 8 fl oz, this frozen rosé beverage exceeds the daily sugar limit of 115.2%. The combination of wine, fruit juice, and sweeteners makes it a deceptively sweet and calorie-laden treat. It’s like sipping on a slushy dessert that adds up quickly in terms of sugar and calories.
Long Island Iced Tea
This dangerous cocktail’s high sugar content may worsen your physical problems and harm your health, as well as lead to a lengthy night you may not remember anymore. A Long Island Iced Tea typically contains a mix of vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and triple sec, combined with cola and sweet and sour mix, contributing to its staggering 22 grams of sugar per serving. Its potent mix of alcohol and sugar can lead to quick intoxication and a rough morning after.
Cosmopolitan
Asking Sex and the City and Just Like That audiences to believe Carrie Bradshaw runs about Manhattan in Manolos without a blister is one thing. It’s another thing to believe these ladies could drink Cosmos like water. The Cosmopolitan, with its mix of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice, has around 12 grams of sugar. While it might seem like a lighter option, the sugar content can still add up, especially after a few rounds.
Frozen Daiquiri
Sweet and refreshing, daiquiris are one of the unhealthiest drinks due to their high sugar content. Despite containing simply rum, lime juice, and syrup, this drink has over 40 grams of sugar per serving. The frozen version, often blended with fruit and extra sweeteners, can push the sugar content even higher, making it a dessert-like cocktail that should be enjoyed sparingly.
Rum Punch
Jamaican rum punch is a powerful, calorie-dense beverage made with pineapple, orange, and lime juices, grenadine, maraschino cherries, and an overproof triple-threat of dark, light, and flavored rums. This tropical delight contains around 30 grams of sugar per serving, thanks to the fruit juices and grenadine. The multiple types of rum also contribute to its high calorie and alcohol content, making it a drink that packs a punch in more ways than one.
Whiskey Sour
The basic whiskey sour has whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and egg white. Many restaurants and bars sell this beverage with a premixed component, often loaded with additional sugars and artificial flavors. A standard whiskey sour can contain up to 14 grams of sugar, turning a seemingly simple cocktail into a sugary indulgence. Opting for freshly made versions with less sugar can help mitigate its impact on your diet.
White Russian
This vodka, Kahlúa, and heavy cream drink has 47% of your daily sugar consumption. There are more tasty and satisfying ways to consume 400 calories, including fast food ice creams with half the calories of this harmful cocktail. The White Russian’s creamy texture and rich flavor make it a popular choice, but its high sugar and fat content make it a less-than-healthy option for regular consumption.
Mudslide
A cup of mudslides is dessert. Mudslides, made with vodka, Kahlúa, Irish cream liqueur, and heavy cream, have about the same sugar content as a milk chocolate Hershey’s bar, not including garnishes and chocolate syrup drizzle. With approximately 27 grams of sugar per serving, this decadent drink is more akin to a boozy milkshake than a traditional cocktail. It’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular indulgence.
